So, my utility company is out of water.

[loydb]

Wells that were producing 150 gallons/minute last year at this time are now doing 73 gallons (and falling). Three of the last four evenings, the tanks are empty by 5 PM, and the pumps stop until 10K gallons fill back up (~3 hours).

We're serviced by a small SUD, whose service area is completely surround by a larger district. We've been trying to get the larger district to take over, but they're not going to until forced by the state it looks like.

Tomorrow I drive to my state rep's office and start agitating.

[lorna-organic]

What is this about? The water table has gone low because of drought?

[artemisia]

Seems that I've heard that, due to a large number of people moving to the Hill Country area of TX, a strain is being put on the water supply. Does this have anything to do with the Edwards Aquifer?

[darwinslair]

are you within 40' of the water table?

If you are, and it is not rock, drop a sand point well in yourself. Should be able to do in an afternoon for about $1500, including pump, and if you can pick up a used hand pump you are not dependent on electicity either and the cost will be a lot less.

Really are a dead simple way to do your own water.

Tom

[RozieDozie]

Lloyd, I'm sorry! It's scary not to have water.

We had a private water company over in Caldwell county. A family actually owned the darn thing... Anyhow, what a mess it was! The wife (the biller), kept her files in shoe boxes... The pumps were inadequate and sometimes we got just a trickle and other times water smelled like Chlorine bleach. It actually took stains out of dishcloths!

You're welcome to come to my house and get some water if you need it.

You're right; this is a BIG political issue and your reps should be taking care of this.

Rozie

[texman]

Our water supply has remained good but only because of two rate increases in 6 months encouraging everyone to use less.

[Alabamy]

Move to Mobile, we have plenty of water for ya. We receive about 5 1/2 feet of rain a year and most of that is between July and August. Maybe we could figure how to pipe some of the flood waters from downtown out to you guys in Texas.

[artemisia]

Water shortages haven't always been a problem around there:

http://www.edwardsaquifer.net/images/card28.jpg

[loydb]

We're a $9,000 well away from the water table. I don't remember the exact depth, but it's a long way.

I've spent today on the phone with a bunch of different folks in the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, as well as the owner of our utility district. Filtering out the BS from both sides, here's my executive summary:

Owner wants out of water business, and isn't going to spend a dime on anything except patching broken pipes and attorney fees. TCEQ has known the problem was coming, but hasn't really pursued it, because, hey, the water was still flowing. It is now the anthill that has been poked with a stick, I expect resolution within 30 days. Meanwhile, I also expect no water after 5:30 PM for the next month.

Thanks for the offer Rozie. Fortunately, I'm at home all day, when there is water, so I just do everything water-related before 5. I feel bad for the 2-working-parent-families-with-kids who don't have the option.

[philprofjw]

Do you collect rainwater for use in your garden? If not, this might be a good reason to start.

[Billy B]

awe are just getting back from a trip out west. If it weren't for irrigation the US would be very short on food I'm Afraid. We talked to a farmer who complained that LA was talking all their water. But one thing that my wife commented on was that so much irrigation is being done by spraying water over the crops. It seems to us that this system would waste way to much water to evaperation. It also seems to us that grass land used to graze cattle on was also irrigated. What a waste of water if the land wont support cattle don't raise them on that land. All in all the trip was great fun and we saw more orchards in the west than I ever knew existed. Incidently they spray all the grass out under the trees so that their is only dirt to compete with the trees or vines what do you suppose they are using to kill the grass. We also saw many crop dusters dusting unknown type crops makes me glad we raise our own food.

[RozieDozie]

Water shortages haven't always been a problem around there:

http://www.edwardsaquifer.net/images/card28.jpg

:D:D Yup, that was one of those diving pigs they used to have at Aquarena Springs before the college took it over.

The Edwards Aquifer is an amazing thing!

http://www.edwardsaquifer.net/

[Imp]

Look at that hairstyle on the girl!!!

[artemisia]

:D:D Yup, that was one of those diving pigs they used to have at Aquarena Springs before the college took it over.

The Edwards Aquifer is an amazing thing!

http://www.edwardsaquifer.net/


It is, Rozie.

"The Edwards Aquifer is a unique groundwater system and one of the most prolific artesian aquifers in the world. It is one of the greatest natural resources on Earth, serving the diverse agricultural, industrial, recreational, and domestic needs of almost two million users in south central Texas. Within this region and poised on the edge of the vast Chihuahuan desert lies San Antonio, America's 7th largest city. The city has a semi-arid climate, and water from the Edwards is the reason that 18th century Spanish missionaries were able to establish footholds like the Alamo here on the New World frontier. For over two centuries, San Antonio and many other cities in the surrounding region were able to grow and prosper without developing surface water or other water resources because of the Edwards Aquifer."

I first learned about the Edwards Aquifer at Aquarena Springs (home of Ralph the Diving Pig and the Submarine Theater)! Does anyone else remember going there?

loydb, sorry about your water situation. Please keep us posted.